What should the nurse do first when caring for a client with chest pain?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should first administer aspirin to a client with chest pain as it helps prevent blood clot formation during a possible heart attack. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of further blockage in the coronary arteries. Administering aspirin promptly can improve the client's outcomes. Performing an ECG, monitoring vital signs, or providing a meal plan are important but should come after administering aspirin in the initial management of chest pain to prioritize the client's safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps to quickly reverse severe symptoms by constricting blood vessels and opening airways. Administering corticosteroids (B) is not the immediate priority. Placing the client on their side (C) is important to prevent aspiration but does not address the anaphylactic reaction. Monitoring blood pressure (D) is essential but administering epinephrine takes precedence in managing anaphylaxis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess vital signs. This is the first intervention because it provides immediate information on the client's condition and helps determine the severity of the pain. Monitoring vital signs can reveal signs of shock, dehydration, or other serious complications. Performing a CT scan (B) is not the first priority as it requires time and resources. Monitoring urine output (C) may be important but not as immediate as assessing vital signs. Monitoring for signs of shock (D) can be included in assessing vital signs but is not the primary intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: 1. pH within normal range (7.35-7.45) indicates homeostasis. 2. PO2 (normal 75-100 mmHg) and PCO2 (normal 35-45 mmHg) are slightly deviated but not clinically significant. 3. HCO3 within normal range (22-26 mEq/L) further supports overall balance. Summary: A: Incorrect - HCO3 level is within normal range, ruling out metabolic alkalosis. C: Incorrect - PCO2 is within normal range, ruling out respiratory acidosis. D: Incorrect - PCO2 is slightly low but not significantly, ruling out respiratory alkalosis. Overall, the ABG values indicate the body is in homeostasis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The proper hand position for chest percussion is to cup the hands, creating a hollow space to allow for effective transmission of percussion vibrations. Cupping the hands helps to produce the desired percussion sound and ensures proper force distribution. Using the side of the hands (B) may not provide enough surface area for effective percussion. Flattening the hands (C) may not generate the desired percussive effect, and spreading the fingers of both hands (D) can result in uneven force application. Therefore, cupping the hands is the most appropriate hand position for chest percussion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. The nurse's first action in treating hypoglycemia is to increase the client's blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. Administering glucose helps quickly raise blood sugar levels, addressing the immediate issue. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as administering insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, administering oxygen is not the primary intervention for hypoglycemia, and administering antipyretics is used for reducing fever, not treating hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor aPTT levels. This is crucial in intravenous heparin therapy to ensure the therapeutic range is maintained for anticoagulation without causing bleeding. Monitoring aPTT helps adjust heparin dosage to prevent clot formation or excessive bleeding. B: Monitoring for bleeding is important but not the most important action compared to monitoring aPTT levels for appropriate dosing. C: Checking platelet count is important for some anticoagulants like heparin, but aPTT monitoring is more directly related to heparin's anticoagulant effect. D: Administering a heparin antidote (protamine sulfate) is necessary in case of heparin overdose or in emergency situations but is not the primary action in routine care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer morphine. Administering morphine is the first intervention for a client experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI) to help relieve pain and reduce anxiety. Oxygen may not be necessary if the client is not hypoxic. Administering aspirin is important but usually follows morphine. Monitoring ECG is crucial, but not the first intervention to address the immediate symptoms of MI.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should first administer aspirin to a client with chest pain as it helps prevent blood clot formation during a possible heart attack. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of further blockage in the coronary arteries. Administering aspirin promptly can improve the client's outcomes. Performing an ECG, monitoring vital signs, or providing a meal plan are important but should come after administering aspirin in the initial management of chest pain to prioritize the client's safety and well-being.